Hi! I've got a lot with a demoed house on it, only thing left is a cinderblock and concrete basement. There is another house on the lot, close enough that they'll never be split into separate properties, and I have no plans to build up from the basement again. What's the best way to fill?
If you have a basement that you don't plan to use and you want to fill it in, the first step is to make sure that the basement is structurally sound and that it is safe to fill it in. You should have a professional inspection done to ensure that the basement is free of any moisture or water issues and that the foundation is stable enough to support the weight of the fill material. If everything is fine, you need to have appropriate permits, plan and design it as per the local and building codes.
You can then use materials such as concrete, crushed stone, or even dirt to fill in the basement, but it is important to compact the materials and use a tamper to ensure that the fill is even and stable. After the filling is done, you need to make sure that the surface is smooth, level and ready for any further construction. It is highly recommended you hire a professional contractor who has experience with basement filling to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
If the house above the basement has already been demolished, it is even more important to ensure that the basement is structurally sound and safe to fill in. Before filling the basement you will have to have the site inspected by professional engineer to ensure that the foundation is stable and safe for filling. It may be necessary to shore up or stabilize the remaining foundation before filling. Additionally, you will need to check for any potential hazards such as asbestos, lead paint or any other hazardous materials that may have been present in the demolished house.
It may be required by the local authorities to have professional abatement of those materials before you can proceed with filling the basement. Also you will need to get all the required permits for filling and demolition of the building. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional contractor who has experience with basement filling and demolition to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
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